Top 10 Essential Water Safety Tips for Families in Hawaii: How to Protect Your Loved Ones at the Beach and Pool

Hawaii is a paradise known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear pools, and an abundance of outdoor water activities. But while the water offers countless opportunities for fun and relaxation, it also poses significant risks, especially for families with children. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in Hawaii, and many of these tragedies are preventable with proper water safety knowledge.

At Water Safety Hawaii, we’re passionate about helping families stay safe around the water. Whether you’re swimming in the ocean, lounging by the pool, or simply enjoying a day at the beach, these Top 10 Water Safety Tips will help you protect your loved ones and enjoy your time in the water with peace of mind.

1. Always Supervise Children Around Water

Never leave children unattended around any body of water – whether it’s a pool, waterfall, pond, lake, or the ocean. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, so constant vigilance is essential. Have a designated "Water Watcher" at all times—someone whose sole responsibility is to keep an eye on children in the water. They should follow the 3 C’s—close, constant and capable. They must stay close at all time which means within arm’s reach for young or unskilled swimmers. Supervision must be constant without any lapses in supervision. Water Watchers must be capable of rescuing a child if they find themselves in a dangerous situation in or around the water. If you're at a beach or pool with multiple families, take turns watching the kids.

2. Understand Local Ocean Conditions

Hawaii’s beautiful beaches are often deceiving in their calm appearance, but the ocean can be dangerous. Before swimming, always check local surf, weather and tide conditions, and be aware of rip currents, which can quickly pull swimmers out to deeper waters. Familiarize yourself with beach signs indicating water conditions, and it is recommended to avoid swimming whenever a lifeguard in not present. When at rocky beaches tell children to stay on dry rocks in order to prevent slipping, sliding or falling which can result in cuts, scrapes and getting pulled out to sea. Make sure you know which beaches have rocks, reef, wana, large drop offs, strong currents and shorebreak so you can communicate any potential dangers or places to avoid to your children, friends and family. Always “Know Before You Go!” and “If In Doubt, Don’t Go Out!”

3. Establish Rules and Boundaries

Beaches and pools are a great place for family fun, but it’s essential to set clear rules to keep everyone safe. Get in the habit of making your child ask for permission before entering any body of water. Also Establish boundaries like “stay in knee deep water,” “stay directly in front of the lifeguard tower” and “no touch-grabbing, hanging, climbing or wrestling with other kids in the water.” Make sure everyone knows how to enter and exit the ocean and pool safely. If you have a pool at home, install a pool fence to prevent unsupervised access, especially by young children.

4. Wear USCG Approved Lifejackets On Or Around Boats, Docks & Open Water

For young children and even experienced swimmers, it is important to wear a properly fitted USCG (United States Coastguard Approved) life jacket when fishing, boating, kayaking, or near the open water. In Hawaii, strong currents and waves can catch even strong swimmers off guard, so life jackets can help prevent accidents before they happen. Remember, inflatables like floaties are not substitutes for life jackets. Lifejackets are great for prevention and when used as a precautionary when out of the water. Lifejackets should not be used for playing in water or learning to swim. Provide your child with their own life saving skills through survival swim lessons.

5. Learn to Swim Early – Enroll in Survival Swim Lessons

One of the most effective ways to protect your family is by teaching your kids to swim at an early age. Many survival swim programs start as young as 6 months old. Learning survival or self-rescue swimming is essential because when all other layers of protection fail, then your child has their own layer of protection that goes with them everywhere and these skills can save thier lives. Water Safety Hawaii offers survival swim lessons that focus on water safety skills for all ages, from infants to adults. The earlier children learn to swim, the more competent and confident they’ll feel around water, which significantly reduces the risk of drowning. Even if you’re a non-swimmer yourself, taking lessons together as a family can be a fun bonding experience and a valuable skill for life.

6. Know CPR and Basic First Aid

Accidents happen, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference. Taking a CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and First Aid course could save a life in an emergency situation. At American Redcross and may other organizations offer CPR classes tailored to both parents and children. Learning these life-saving skills ensures you're prepared for any water-related emergency.

7. Stay Hydrated and Protect Your Skin

Spending time in the water can be a lot of fun, but it’s easy to forget about hydration and sun protection. Dehydration and sunburn can ruin a perfect day. Make sure your family drinks plenty of water or other hydrating fluids before, during, and especially after swimming. Also make sure to apply reef-safe sunscreen regularly. The Hawaiian sun can be intense, so reapply every two hours and after swimming.

8. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Whether you’re at the beach or pool, always have a cell phone nearby and make sure you know where the closest lifeguard is located. In case of an emergency, you may need to call 911 having a cell phone close by is essential. Also knowing where a lifeguard is located when you arrive saves time in those time sensitive emergencies. Communicate to your children and teach them about water related emergencies and make sure they understand how to get help and the importance of staying calm.

9. Teach Water Safety, Not Just Swimming

Water safety goes beyond learning how to swim—it involves knowing how to act responsibly in and around water. Educate your children on basic safety principles, such as asking for permission to get in the water, not touching or pushing others in the water, never swimming alone, and recognizing the signs of danger in the water (e.g., sudden changes in conditions like strong currents and rough waves). When kids understand these basic principles, they’ll be much more likely to make safe choices while swimming.

10. Swim Only in Designated Areas with Lifeguards Present

If you’re swimming at the beach, always choose areas with lifeguards on duty. Lifeguards are trained to respond quickly in emergencies, and their presence makes it safer for everyone. Don’t be scared to ask a lifeguard about where to swim or current ocean conditions. Remember their best strategy for safety is prevention. Avoid swimming in areas where there are no lifeguards or where it’s prohibited. If it says "dangerous," "kapu" or "keep out" then listen! Those signs are there for a reason. At pools, make sure there’s a lifeguard on duty or an emergency action plan in place.

Conclusion: Keep Your Family Safe with Water Safety Hawaii

Water safety is essential, and as a family, you can never be too prepared. By following these Top 10 Essential Water Safety Tips, you’ll help protect your loved ones from potential hazards, whether at the beach, pool, or any body of water. At Water Safety Hawaii, we are committed to promoting water safety education for all ages and providing survival swim lessons that equip families with the skills they need to stay safe.

If you're ready to take your water safety knowledge to the next level, check out our survival swim lessons, CPR classes through American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), and other community programs. Protect your family and create lasting memories in Hawaii’s waters with the confidence that comes from knowing how to stay safe.

Call to Action:

Sign up today for a water safety event: Water Safety Education Sessions, Water Safety Workshops or of our 3 unique survival swim lesson programs! Visit Water Safety Hawaii’s informative and unique pages to learn more and get involved!